In support of a diagnosis

Every week in Canada, at least 500 000 active workers are unable to work due to mental illness.

Schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and major depression affect almost 10% of the Nord-American adult population, which means about 25 millions of people.

According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), taking into account the cost of health care and loss of productivity, mental health would represent an economic burden of $ 51 billion a year in Canada.

In the first 3 to 5 years, the diagnosis changes for 30 to 40% of patients who suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression (40 to 50% over 7 to 8 years).

In 2013-2014, schizophrenia and mood disorders accounted for the largest number of hospitalizations, after childbirths.

20% of the population will have a mental disorder in their lifetime.

A faster and more accurate diagnosis will allow better support of the disease and consequently, better therapeutic results and a reduction in costs.

diaMentis is developing a first diagnostic tool in mental health care that will allow clinicians a more accurate and earlier diagnosis in the disease process.

Consequences of a misdiagnosis

There is currently no biological test or tool to help support the diagnosis for patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression.

Diagnoses are based primarily on the observation and clinical assessment of symptoms as well as the patient ability to respond adequately to questions asked by the physician.

The symptoms are not always totally present at the beginning of the disease, and overlap between the different psychiatric conditions.

The degree of difficulty in achieving an earlier and accurate diagnosis is very high.

Medical uncertainty.

Discouraged patients.

Up to 70% of bipolar disorders are undiagnosed.

Substance abuse and suicide might eventually be the consequences of misdiagnosis or late diagnosis.

« 90% of suicides are related to a mental disorder.
No decrease in suicides has been observed in the last 50 years. »